About the Festival

The annual Windy City Choral Festival features mixed choirs from across North America coming together to sing at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center – home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The eleventh annual festival will take place March 7-9, 2019.

In addition to being part of the Windy City Festival Chorus, four choirs will be selected by audition to conduct stand-alone performances on stage during the finale concert. World-renowned choral conductor, composer, and Director of Choral Activities at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Z. Randall Stroope, will serve as Artistic Director, and will lead the rehearsals and finale performance.

The name of Chicago was appropriately drawn from an Indian word meaning “strong” or “great.” True to its name, Chicago proudly offers some of the world’s best museums, the highest buildings, the most renowned orchestras and choirs, the world-class Brookfield Zoo, a beautiful lakefront skyline, and of course, Chicago dogs and pizza! With its wonderful musical heritage, Chicago will be the ideal host city to choirs around the country for this magnificent festival experience.

Festival Schedule

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Visiting choirs arrive in Chicago, meet Tour Managers, take a panoramic city tour of Historic Downtown and the Loop, and check-in at the Palmer House Hilton.
Visiting choirs enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening Festival Chorus Rehearsal.
Each Director, plus one guest, if desired, will have a round-table dinner with the other directors and Z. Randall Stroope.

Friday, March 8, 2019

Visiting choirs enjoy breakfast at Corner Bakery.
Visiting choirs take a guided tour of Chicago’s historic downtown and the Loop, including a visit to the Field Museum of Natural History.
“Spirit of Chicago” Lunch Cruise, with dancing and time to mingle with the other choirs and have fun!
Visiting choirs enjoy an afternoon free for sightseeing and shopping.
Visiting choirs enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening Festival Chorus Rehearsal.